Best retailer rewards programs

Want to get paid to shop? Want to get extra perks that regular shoppers don't even know exist? Welcome to the world of retailer rewards programs. These membership-based perks programs can rack up some great rewards with each purchase you make. There's something for everyone, from the outdoors enthusiast and the tech-lover to the beauty buyer and the Bloomingdale's brown bag lover.

REI Co-Op Membership

If you're into the outdoors and love to buy gear and go adventuring, it's time to join the REI Co-Op Membership program. This program has a one-time cost of $20, then you're a member for life. Cash-back comes as a once-a-year membership dividend paid out in March for the previous calendar year. You can spend your cashback in store or, of course, cash it out.

Look for flyers and in-store signs that offer major bonus point opportunities and member-only sales

Bonus? Once you get past 10,000 points, rewards add up faster. For instance, 10,000 points is still $10 off, but 18,000 points gets your $20 off and 30,000 points gets you $35 off.

Ideal for: Anyone who ever shops at Walgreens. It's worth taking a moment to sign up for one of these cards. You'll be pleasantly surprised when they tell you at the register you have available dollars off to use.

My Best Buy Members Program

How can you get the actual best buy at Best Buy? By signing up for their tiered rewards club, of course. They call it "My Best Buy" and there are numerous ways to take advantage of the savings.

Weekly member exclusive offers

Everyday member-only deals and discounts

Special offers tailored to you and your previous purchases

Earn extra points by reviewing products

Three tiers, based on how much you spend in a calendar year; each earns points at a different rate (regular membership earns at a rate of .5 points for every dollar spent; Elite status is achieved by spending $1500 and earns at a rate of 1 point per dollar; Elite Plus is achieved by spending $3500 and earns 1.25 points for every dollar spent)

Every 250 My Best Buy points entitles you to a $5 reward certificate

Bonus? Gamers Club Member Deals for pre-ordering and purchasing select games.

Ideal for: The tech-savvy, gamer-centric, music-buff individual or a family who goes through a lot of electronics.

Staples Rewards

Staples Rewards is a free membership card that helps you rack up fast when you turn in old ink cartridges to earn rewards you can spend in store. Even if you don't purchase office supplies for your home or business think about back-to-school time and bigger purchases such as computers, cameras and printers.

Tiered program with three levels based on spending: Basic (up to $499 a year); Plus ($500-999 a year) and Premier ($1000+ a year)
$2 cash back on each recycled ink cartridge, even if you didn't purchase it at Staples (10/month limit for Basic members, 20/month for Plus and Premier members)

Free shipping on orders over $14.99 from Staples.com

Rewards up to 5% back on every purchase

Easy to use rewards right at the register

Bonus? Teachers get 10% back in rewards on qualifying teaching and art supplies; Plus and Premier members get free printing services (Plus up to $25; Premier up to $50)

Ideal for: The small business owner, home-printing guru, and anyone who purchases school supplies for themselves or others. While the fine print stipulates you need to have purchased $30 of ink/toner at Staples in the previous 180 days to receive rewards, this program is worth it simply for recycling used ink cartridges, even if you rarely shop at Staples.

Starbucks Rewards

Starbucks Rewards is available online or as an app for Android and iPhone, but it's one of the few worth taking up space and data. Not only can you keep track of gift cards and balances, you can earn points for free drinks and food items.

Free drink on your birthday

Earn stars/points in store and by purchasing grocery-store bags of coffee

2 stars for each dollar spent using a Starbucks gift card or Gold card

Every 150 stars earns you a free drink or food item

Reach Gold status and get a Gold card to load and use for payment, plus a free drink or food item every 125 stars

Bonus? Free refills in-store, so load up on caffeine and Wi-Fi at the same time. The app also has double-star days and bonuses you can complete for extra stars.

Ideal for: Anyone who frequents Starbucks. It's easy to reload your balance through your phone at any time, which is the way to go since you only earn points when you pay with the app or a Gold card.

Target REDCard Debit Card

The only debit card on the list, the Target REDCard makes it easy to want to sign up, because they offer an automatic 5% discount on all purchases when you use your card. It works just like a regular debit card and is connected to your checking account to make automatic withdrawals every time you make a purchase.

Automatic 5% off at the register every time you pay with your Target REDCard debit card

Free shipping on Target.com purchases paid for with the card

Extended return policy

Up to $40 cash back at registers

Bonus? Combine this payment method with Target's Cartwheel app, subscription savings, coupons and clearance savings to make your next Target trip much more financially fit
Ideal for: Anyone who shops at Target regularly.

DSW Rewards

DSW shoe warehouses are already a go-to for discount shoes for the whole family, and you can get even more savings by signing up for their rewards card. You can earn the rewards certificates relatively fast and $10 can purchase heel cushions to make those fabulous heels more comfortable.